Hand to Hand Foundation on a mission to keep local neighbourhoods clean
DIEPSLOOT– Mhlanga said that the project has had a positive impact on the environment by keeping the neighbourhood clean.
An initiative created by a local non-profit organisation is on a mission to keep local neighbourhoods clean while helping locals to earn a living.
The initiative that was started in 2012 by Midrand-based non-profit organisation, Hand to Hand Foundation, has created more than 30 job opportunities for local people in Diepsloot to clean-up dump sites by collecting recyclable material.
Project officer at the foundation, Linette Mhlanga said through the National Lottery Commission (NLC) sponsorship programme, the foundation had been able to help local communities establish a cooperative.
“With the NLC funding, Hand to Hand Foundation employed 30 community members in Diepsloot who benefitted from training such as cooperative management and environmental practice.
These project participants also received a monthly stipend for a duration of the project and were registered as a recycling cooperative [Tshebo Yamoshomo Cooperative] to enable them to sell their recyclables.”
Mhlanga concluded that the project had made a great impact, not only in the beneficiaries’ lives and their families, but also to the entire community at large who now enjoyed a clean and healthy environment.
